UM Bishops meet after General Conference

Bishops lead the processional for opening worship at the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. From left are retired Bishop Violet Fischer and Bishops John Schol, Sally Dyck, Jeremiah Park and Thomas Bickerton.

Portland, Oregon — The United Methodist Council of Bishops met on May 21 following the close of General Conference for worship and prayer for the ongoing unity of The United Methodist Church.

The Saturday meeting was planned prior to presenting “An Offering for a Way Forward” to the 2016 General Conference, but recognizing the importance of moving forward with the proposal, the council utilized the opportunity to discuss the possible framework for forming a commission and identify some of the qualities and characteristics needed among its membership.

Meeting in executive session due to the sensitive nature of the discussion, the council processed the conversations over the previous ten days and identified next steps. The council charged the executive committee with designing the process for forming a commission and creating a timeline for the proposal, recognizing the need to take time to make conscientious decisions yet not delaying the process.

The executive committee agreed to have ongoing conversation and plans to schedule a meeting before the regularly scheduled meeting in July.

“We pledge to take great care in choosing the membership of the commission,” said council president Bishop Bruce R. Ough. “We will work deliberately, intentionally and in a conscientious and prayerful manner to insure the commission reflects the diverse opinions and commitments of the body.”

The bishops determined that the proposal required further clarity, purpose and vision and agreed to appoint a small group to provide the clarity needed. The council also agreed to form a communication team that will keep the church regularly informed at each step of the process.

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The United Methodist Reporter wants to encourage lively conversation about The United Methodist Church and our articles in the belief that Christian conversation (what Wesley would call conferencing) is a means of grace. While we support passionate debate, we cannot allow language that demeans or demonizes others, and we reserve the right to delete any comment we believe to be harmful or inappropriate. We encourage all to remember that we are all broken and in need of Christ's grace, and that we all see through the glass darkly until that time we when reach full perfection in love. May your speech here be tempered with love, and reflection of the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. After all, "There is no law against things like this." (Galatians 5:22-23)

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jimmie shelby

This writer wonders about the pomp and circumstance that always follow the bishops. This writer wonders when THAT body of humans will finally fall prostrate before Father/Son/Holy Spirit and seek His Guidance–as opposed to following the dictates of the liberal progressive movement in this country and in the umc. “Time” is not on the side of this council. The umc continues to slip away and the rusty and dented and bent old can is kicked on down the road. One wonders…………………..

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2 years ago

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eric pone

One wonders when you will do the same. You comments seem to have a lot of anger towards the church. I hope Jesus can heal you of your anger and self rightousness.

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2 years ago

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jimmie shelby

Anger is not the correct adjective. Disappointment would be more accurate. Self righteousness seems to work in both directions!!

The council of bishops continues to refuse to lead the umc. Many of those who sit in pews remain puzzled as to the direction of the church John Wesley was inspired to establish. Can you explain/establish a direction that the council is choosing to take the umc? That direction will make much difference to those who give their gifts and offerings to a church that seems to have not rudder.

Jimmie they will kick it on down the road until most of them can retire and then, they are done. That is pretty sad when that is all you can hope for. They are a divided body. The damage is done. We have been quietly electing these Bishops for years.

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Bill Snyder

Why is it necessary to conduct secret meetings? This is the church of Christ who was clear on things being done in the light and in darkness. I for one do not appreciate how this was handled.

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Kevin

Without some degree of confidentiality our bishops would not be able to have the frank discussions needed. Closed meetings are critical to get some processes going.

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2 years ago

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eric pone

This isn’t US Government, its the Church. The contexts are totally different. I think a lot of folks on the left and right need to remember that.